Sports item cover and methods using the same

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a removable sports item cover, preferably a ball or puck cover, and methods using the sports item cover that greatly facilitate the process of obtaining a autograph on the sports item at a sporting event. The ball cover can include a writing instrument attachment for removably securing a writing instrument such as a pen to the cover. The ball cover can include an autograph opening that allows the ball to be autographed without removing the cover. Therefore, the ball cover allows a fan to conveniently pass a sports item for signature to an athlete, along with an attached writing instrument, thereby facilitating the autograph process. The ball cover can also include a lanyard attachment that allows the ball to be worn around a fan&#39;s neck.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The invention relates generally to autographs, more specificallyto ball covers and methods of obtaining an autograph.

[0003] 2. Background Information

[0004] Many sports fans obtain autographs of athletes at sportingevents. This typically involves waiting in a crowd and attempting togain the attention of an athlete, in order to get his/her autograph on aball or a puck. In many cases, the crowd is separated from theprofessional athlete by a barrier such as a wall that surrounds theplaying area. Therefore, it is usually challenging to carry a ball and awriting instrument through the crowd, and to pass them to the athlete toobtain the autograph. Furthermore, it is challenging to obtain the balland the writing instrument back from the athlete over the barrier andthrough the crowd. Therefore, there is a need for a device or method tofacilitate the exchange of a sports item and writing instrument betweena fan and an athlete.

[0005] Furthermore, a need exists for a device and method thatfacilitate obtaining an autograph at a sporting event, withoutcompromising the quality of the sports item being autographed forexample by gluing an attachment means to a ball. Such a device and/ormethod would help promote fan enthusiasm and interest in sporting eventsand athletes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention meets these needs and makes it much easierto obtain an autograph of a person, such as an athlete, on a sportsitem, such as a ball, at an event, such as a sporting event. Theinvention facilitates the exchange of a sports item and writinginstrument between a fan and an athlete without damaging the ball forexample by affixing a writing instrument attachment means to the ball.That is the sports item, typically a ball or a puck which is autographedremains in an unmodified form except for autographs that are placed onit, yet the present invention makes it convenient to attach a writinginstrument, such as a pen, to the ball in such a manner that the pen canbe removed from the ball very simply and without damaging the ball.Furthermore, the present invention actually protects the sports itemfrom damage and provides a fan the ability to direct an athlete to theprecise location on the ball for autographing. In addition, theplacement of the ball cover allows the fan to specify where theautograph will be located on the sports item, while protecting existingautographs on the sports item. Finally, certain embodiments of thepresent invention help to assure that a sports item is not lost at anevent, and provide a fan the opportunity to freely use their hands tosqueeze through a crowd and to get the attention of an athlete, and tosit through the event without having to worry about losing anautographed sports item. In summary, the present invention makes it muchmore convenient to obtain an autograph of a ball at a sporting event.

[0007] The present invention provides a removable sports item cover,preferably a ball or puck cover, and methods using the sports itemcover, that greatly facilitate the process of obtaining an autograph onthe sports item at a sporting event. The ball cover includes a writinginstrument attachment for securing a writing instrument such as a pen tothe cover, such that the writing instrument can be detached or removedfrom the writing instrument attachment. Therefore, the ball cover allowsa fan to conveniently pass a sports item for signature to an athlete,along with an attached writing instrument, thereby facilitating theautograph process. The ball cover can also include a lanyard attachmentthat allows the ball to be worn around a fan's neck.

[0008] The ball cover of the present invention will be valuable tosports teams to attract fans to their games by being provided as agive-away. Additionally, the ball cover of the present invention will bevaluable to companies as give-away perks to customers or potentialcustomers.

[0009] In one aspect, the present invention is an autograph kit thatincludes:

[0010] a) a ball;

[0011] b) a ball cover with a writing instrument attachment and anautograph opening, wherein the ball cover removably covers the ball; and

[0012] c) a writing instrument that is removably connected to the ballby the writing instrument attachment of the ball cover.

[0013] The autograph kit can include a lanyard in certain preferredembodiments.

[0014] In another aspect, the present invention is a ball and ball covercombination, wherein the ball cover rotatably covers the ball, andwherein the ball cover includes a writing instrument attachment. Incertain preferred embodiments, the ball cover includes an autographopening that provides access to the ball. In certain preferredembodiments, the writing instrument attachment is a loop to which awriting instrument is removably secured. The ball in certain preferredembodiments is a baseball.

[0015] In another aspect, the present invention is a sports item cover,preferably a ball or puck cover, that includes a writing instrumentattachment. The sports item cover can include, in certain preferredembodiments, an autograph opening that provides access for a writinginstrument through the ball cover. In certain preferred embodiments, thewriting instrument attachment is a loop to which a writing instrument isremovably secured. The sports item can be a baseball, a softball, afootball, a basketball, a soccer ball, a golf ball, or a volleyball. Thesports item cover can include a lanyard attachment effective forremovably securing the sports item cover to a lanyard.

[0016] In another aspect the present invention provides a ball coverthat includes an autograph opening means for providing access to theball through the cover, and a writing instrument attachment means forremovably securing a writing instrument to the ball cover.

[0017] In another aspect the present invention provides a sports hatbrim cover that includes an autograph opening means for providing accessto the hat brim through the cover, and a writing instrument attachmentmeans for removably securing a writing instrument to the hat brim cover.

[0018] In another aspect, the present invention is a method forobtaining an autograph on a ball. The method includes:

[0019] a) providing a ball, a ball cover, and a writing instrument,wherein the ball cover rotatably covers the ball, wherein the writinginstrument is removably secured to the ball cover holder by a writinginstrument attachment, and wherein access to a first location on theball through the ball cover is provided by an autograph opening in theball cover;

[0020] b) detaching the writing instrument from the ball; and

[0021] c) signing the ball at the first location through the autographopening.

[0022] The method can further include reattaching the writing instrumentto the ball cover. The method can further include after signing the ballat the first location, rotating the ball cover over the ball to positionthe autograph opening over a second position on the ball. In theseembodiments, the method can further include signing the ball at thesecond location through the autograph opening.

[0023] In another aspect, the present invention is a method forobtaining an autograph on a ball. The method includes:

[0024] a) providing a ball, a ball cover, and a writing instrument,wherein the ball cover rotatably covers the ball, wherein the writinginstrument is removably secured to the ball cover holder by a writinginstrument attachment, and wherein access to a first location on theball through the ball cover is provided by an autograph opening in theball cover;

[0025] b) detaching the writing instrument from the ball; and

[0026] c) obtaining a signature on the ball at the first locationthrough the autograph opening.

[0027] The method can further include reattaching the writing instrumentto the ball cover. The method can further include after signing the ballat the first location, rotating the ball cover over the ball to positionthe autograph opening over a second position on the ball. In theseembodiments, the method can further include obtaining a signature on theball at the second location through the autograph opening.

[0028] In another aspect, the present invention is a method forobtaining an autograph on a ball utilizing the ball cover of theinvention. The method includes:

[0029] a) providing a ball 100, a ball cover 10, and a writinginstrument 200, wherein the ball cover comprises a writing instrumentattachment, and an autograph opening;

[0030] b) positioning the ball inside the ball cover, thereby providingaccess to a first location on the ball through the ball cover at theautograph opening;

[0031] c) attaching the writing instrument to the ball cover using thewriting instrument attachment;

[0032] d) removing the writing instrument from the ball cover;

[0033] e) signing the ball at the first location through the autographopening; and

[0034] f) reattaching the writing instrument to the ball cover using thewriting instrument attachment.

[0035] The method can further include removing the ball from the ballcover after reattaching the writing instrument. The method can thenfurther include rotating the ball relative to the ball cover, andreposition the ball inside the ball cover, thereby providing access to asecond location on the ball through the autograph opening. The methodcan then further include removing the writing instrument from the ballcover and signing the ball at the second location through the autographopening.

[0036] The method can further include between the securing step and theremoving step, transferring the ball from a first person to a secondperson to obtain the autograph of the second person.

[0037] The method can further include, securing the ball cover to alanyard.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038]FIG. 1 is an illustration of an embodiment of the ball cover 10 ofthe present invention illustrating rotatable and removable covering of aball 100, removable attachment of a writing instrument 200, andremovable attachment to a lanyard 300.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF TIE INVENTION

[0039] In one aspect, the present invention provides a ball cover 10with a writing instrument attachment 20 wherein the ball cover 10 iseffective for rotatably and/or preferably removably covering a ball 100.The ball cover in certain preferred embodiments includes an autographopening 30. The ball cover can be provided along with a writinginstrument 200 that can be removably connected to the writing instrumentattachment 20 of the ball cover 10.

[0040] The ball cover and optionally, the writing instrument may beincluded in an autograph kit. The kit can include other items such as aball 10, the lanyard 300, and directions for using and/or maintainingthe ball cover.

[0041] The sports item cover 10 can be made of virtually any materialthat is used to cover physical objects. The material can be, forexample, nylon, canvas, cotton, burlap, felt, plastic, neoprene, etc.The ball cover is typically slightly larger than the ball that it isintended to cover. The ball cover can include an inner layer that is thesame material as, or different than, an outer layer. For example, theinner layer can be a material that resists scratching the ball orsmudging autographs on the ball, such as felt, whereas the outer layercan be a material that is resistant to environmental conditions, such asleather or plastic. Preferably, the material used for the cover is nothard and has some elasticity.

[0042] The sports item cover 10, also referred to herein as a ball coveror puck cover, preferably is constructed such that a ball can bepositioned inside the cover, and can be removed from the cover. As knownby one of ordinary skill in the art, many designs can be used toaccomplish this. The present invention is not intended to be limited byany specific design for removably positioning a ball under the ballcover. For example, the cover can have a slit that can be opened andclosed, for example using a zipper or Velcro® straps. As anotherexample, the slit can be an expandable opening at the top of the coverthat is resilient and recluses when force is not applied to open it, orcan be closed by means of a string.

[0043] In certain embodiments, the present invention is a puck coverwith a writing instrument attachment 20. These embodiments can includean autograph opening on the puck cover.

[0044] The writing instrument attachment 20 can be a writing instrumentattachment means for removably securing a writing instrument to a ballor puck. The writing instrument attachment 20 and writing instrumentattachment means, for example, can include a small portion of materialthat resists deformation sufficiently to provide an attachment site fora securing clip as is commonly present on a writing instrument. Asanother example, the writing instrument attachment 20 can be a smallloop or a small cylinder, and can be the same or different material fromthe rest of the ball cover. In certain preferred embodiments, thewriting instrument can be secured to the writing instrument attachment,and detached from the writing instrument attachment. The writinginstrument attachment, for example, can be an elastic cable, such as arubber cable, that is helically arranged and attaches the writinginstrument to the sports item cover. These embodiments the writinginstrument can be pulled away from the point of attachment of thewriting instrument attachment to the sports item cover, for example tobe used to autograph the ball. The elastic cable then pulls the writinginstrument back towards the sports item cover after the writinginstrument is no longer pulled away from the sports item cover.

[0045] One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the size ofthe autograph opening can vary considerably, while still effectivelyproviding access to the ball and sufficient space for an autograph, yetnot compromising the integrity of the cover. Furthermore, the size ofthe autograph opening can vary depending on the sports item beingcovered, with larger items accommodating larger autograph openings. Inembodiments where the sports item is a baseball, the autograph openingcan be for example, a rectangle with a height of about one-half inch,and a length of about one and one-half inches, or a one inch diametercircular/oval opening.

[0046] The sports item of the present invention is typically a ball 100or a hockey puck. The ball 100 can be any sports ball including, forexample, a baseball, a soft ball, a football, a basketball, a soccerball, golf ball, or a volleyball. In certain preferred embodiments, theball is a baseball. The sports item can also include a hat brim, orvirtually any other sports item that can be transported to a sportingevent or sports memorabilia show, autographed, and covered.

[0047] The ball cover 10, the writing instrument 200, and/or the ball 10can include a logo of a favorite team.

[0048] The ball cover and optionally writing instrument, can be providedalong with a lanyard 300. The lanyard 300 can be removably secured tothe ball cover 10 by a lanyard attachment 40. As is known in the art, alanyard 300 is an item that facilitates the removable attachment of anitem such as the ball cover of the present invention, around the neck ofa person. As is known, the lanyard 300 is placed around a neck like anecklace, and can have a first attachment member that attaches to asecond attachment member on an item. For example, either or both thefirst and the second attachment member can be a hook or other mechanism,as is known. Lanyards are popularly used to hold keys, and are readilyavailable at sporting goods stores. Embodiments of the present inventionthat include lanyards or their use provide a first person, referred toherein as a fan, with the ability to use both hands while trying to workthrough a crowd and/or get the attention of an athlete. Additionally,lanyards provide a fan with the ability to comfortably sit through anevent without losing the sports item, and proudly display the sportsitem, wearing it around the fan's neck or drape from a belt hook on thepant waist.

[0049] The ball cover can include a plurality of autograph openingsrather than a single autograph opening. This has the advantage ofproviding an autograph opening to a number of individuals withoutrequiring rotation of the ball cover relative to the ball.

[0050] The autograph opening can be covered by a flap or a removablecover. The flap or cover can be made of material that is similar to thatwhich is used for the remainder of the ball cover. Such flap orremovable cover when in place can rest slightly above the ball cover toavoid damaging the autograph on the ball. Furthermore, the flap orremovable cover can be secured to the ball cover by any means known inthe art for securing flaps such as, for example, Velcro straps orbuttons.

[0051] In another aspect the present invention provides a sports hatbrim cover that includes an autograph opening means for providing accessto the hat brim through the cover, and a writing instrument attachmentmeans for removably securing a writing instrument to the hat brim cover.

[0052] In another aspect, the present invention is a method forobtaining an autograph on a ball 100 utilizing the ball cover 10 of theinvention. The method includes:

[0053] a) providing a ball 100, a ball cover 10, and a writinginstrument 200, wherein the ball cover 10 comprises a writing instrumentattachment 20, and an autograph opening 30;

[0054] b) positioning the ball 100 inside the ball cover 10, therebyproviding access to a first location on the ball 100 through the ballcover 10 at the autograph opening;

[0055] c) attaching the writing instrument 200 to the ball cover 10using the writing instrument attachment 20;

[0056] d) removing the writing instrument 200 from the ball cover 10;

[0057] e) signing the ball 100 at the first location through theautograph opening; and

[0058] f) reattaching the writing instrument 200 to the ball cover 10using the writing instrument attachment 20.

[0059] The method can further include removing the ball 100 from theball cover 10 after reattaching the writing instrument 200. The methodcan then further include rotating the ball 100 relative to the ballcover 10, and reposition the ball 100 inside the ball cover 10, therebyproviding access to a second location on the ball 100 through theautograph opening. The method can then further include removing thewriting instrument 200 from the ball cover 10 and signing the ball 100at the second location through the autograph opening.

[0060] The method can further include between the securing step and theremoving step, transferring the ball 100 from a first person to a secondperson to obtain the autograph of the second person.

[0061] The method can further include, securing the ball cover 10 to alanyard 300.

[0062] The process by which a first person hands or passes a sports itemto a second person for an autograph of the second person on the sportsitem, and the return of the sports item to the fan, is referred toherein as the autograph process. The present invention makes theautograph process much more convenient.

[0063] Thus, to practice the invention in certain preferred embodiments,a fan can obtain a ball cover 10, a ball 100, and a writing instrument200. The fan can insert the ball 100 into the ball cover 10 of thepresent invention, and attach the writing instrument 200 to a writinginstrument attachment 20 on the ball cover 10. The fan can then approachthe playing surface, for example a baseball field, and hand or relay toa first athlete, the ball 100 enclosed by the ball cover 10 with thewriting instrument attached to the ball cover 10. The first athlete thendetaches the writing instrument 200 from the ball cover 10 and uses thewriting instrument 200 to sign the ball at the first location throughthe autograph opening in the ball cover 10. Then the first athlete canreattach the writing instrument 200 to the ball cover 10 and hands orrelays the ball 100 enclosed by the ball cover 10 along with theattached writing instrument 200 back to the fan.

[0064] The fan then can remove the ball 100 from the ball cover 10, androtate the ball 100 relative to the ball cover 10 before replacing theball 100 in the ball cover 10, such that the autograph opening islocated over a second position on the ball 100. The fan then can thenpass the ball 100 encompassed in the ball cover 10 with attached writinginstrument 200 to a second athlete who can detach the writing instrument200 from the ball cover 10, and autograph the ball 100 at the secondposition. Then the second athlete can reattach the writing instrument200 to the ball cover 10 and can hand or relay the ball 100 enclosed bythe ball cover 10 along with the attached writing instrument 200 back tothe fan. At any point in the process, while the ball is in the fan'sposition, the fan can position it in the ball cover and secure it to alanyard 300 that is positioned around the fan's neck, thereby securingthe ball to the fan in a hand-free manner.

[0065] All of the references cited herein are incorporated by reference.Although the invention has been described with reference to the aboveexamples, it will be understood that modifications and variations areencompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly,the invention is limited only by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A sports item cover comprising: a) an autographopening effective for providing access to a sports item that is enclosedby the sports item cover.
 2. The sports item cover of claim 1, whereinthe sports item is a ball, puck, or hat.
 3. The sports item cover ofclaim 2 further comprising a writing instrument attachment effective forremovably securing a writing instrument to the sports item cover.
 4. Thesports item cover of claim 1, wherein the sports item is a baseball, asoftball, a football, a basketball, a soccer ball, or a volleyball. 5.The sports item cover of claim 1, wherein the sports item is a baseball.6. The sports item cover of claim 1, wherein the sports item coverfurther comprises a lanyard attachment effective for removably securingthe sports item cover to a lanyard.
 7. The sports item cover of claim 1,wherein the autograph opening is one of a series of autograph openings.8. The method of claim 3, wherein the autograph opening is one of aseries of autograph openings.
 9. An autograph kit comprising: a) a ball;b) a ball cover having a writing instrument attachment and an autographopening, wherein the ball cover removably covers the ball; and c) awriting instrument.
 10. The autograph kit of claim 9, wherein the ballcover further comprises a lanyard attachment, and wherein the kitfurther comprises a lanyard.
 11. The autograph kit of claim 9, whereinthe ball is a softball, a football, a basketball, a soccer ball, or avolleyball
 12. The autograph kit of claim 9, wherein the ball is abaseball.
 13. A method for obtaining an autograph on a ball comprising:a) providing a ball, a ball cover, and a writing instrument, wherein theball cover comprises a writing instrument attachment, and an autographopening; b) positioning the ball inside the ball cover, therebyproviding access to a first location on the ball through the ball coverat the autograph opening; c) attaching the writing instrument to theball cover using the writing instrument attachment; d) removing thewriting instrument from the ball cover; e) signing the ball at the firstlocation through the autograph opening; and f) reattaching the writinginstrument to the ball cover using the writing instrument attachment.14. The method of claim 13, further comprising removing the ball fromthe ball cover after reattaching the writing instrument.
 15. The methodof claim 14, further comprising rotating the ball relative to the ballcover, and repositioning the ball inside the ball cover, therebyproviding access to a second location on the ball through the autographopening.
 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising removing thewriting instrument from the ball cover and signing the ball at thesecond location through the autograph opening.
 17. The method of claim13, further comprising between the securing step and the removing step,transferring the ball from a first person to a second person to obtainthe autograph of the second person on the ball.
 18. The method of claim13, further comprising securing the ball cover to a lanyard.